1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Today we visit another verse that has been covered in previous months and books. We are looking at the famous love chapter in 1 Corinthians and learning about the message Paul had for us regarding love. (In this verse, the word “love” comes from the Greek agape which is an unconditional love like God’s love for mankind).
The Greek word for patience is makrothumeo. Here is how AI describes it: “It is a verb that means to be long-spirited, forbearing, or to have a “long fuse”. The term combines makros (“long”) and thumos (“temper” or “passion”) to describe patience specifically in relationships, choosing not to retaliate or lose one’s temper under provocation.”
In our verse Paul indicates that love is an active, enduring choice we purposely make to remain calm rather than retaliating. It represents a “long fuse” that helps us to endure difficult people or circumstances. Our love is patient, meaning it is not just an emotion we feel but a choice we make. It involves being patient not only with one or two people, but with everyone – including those who it is hard to be patient with.
Paul lists patience first in his description of unconditional love, and in my opinion, it is fitting that our description of perfect love begins with this attribute. I often find myself less patient with my loved ones than I am with others outside of my family. I love my family but they know how to push my buttons and cause me to lose my patience. I can definitely say I am not always long-suffering. My fuse can get very short and I have to consciously stop and give it to God and ask for Him to be my patience for me.
Who in your life do you find you lose your patience with? Why? Pray and give them to God and ask that He be your patience when you feel your fuse is short. Let His power fill you and help keep impatience at bay. And then brainstorm or google a few ways you can maintain your patience when you feel it slipping away.
Prayer: Lord, When my patience is tested fill me with Your power and help me to show love instead of losing my cool. I want them to feel love, not impatience or irritation. Amen
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